The order has been met with resistance and mockery on social media because the French have long been uncomfortable about the old-fashioned, nationalistic words of La Marseillaise. The anthem has regained some popularity in recent years but the chorus, with its call to arms and appeal to “let impure blood water our furrows”, is widely felt to be insensitive.

Ms Flessel, the French standard-bearer at the 2012 London Olympics, told the federations,…